Shipwright I

About the Role

Perform structural repairs to wooden boat and ship hull components including frames, planks, beams, knees, decks, and related elements. Build and repair wooden masts and spars using both solid and laminated construction methods. Construct and/or repair wooden deck furniture and hardware. Handle hull and deck caulking, assist with vessel docking, line handling, hauling, and launching. Document work through photos, written explanations, and drawings. Lead project teams and volunteers as required.

Responsibilities

• Perform structural repairs to wooden boat and ship hull components (frames, planks, beams, knees, decks, etc.)
• Build and repair wooden masts and spars, both solid and laminated construction
• Build and/or repair wooden deck furniture and hardware
• Perform hull and deck caulking
• Assist with vessel docking, line handling, hauling, and launching
• Document work through photos, written explanations, and/or drawings
• Lead project teams and/or volunteers as required
• Proper and respectful use of shipyard tools and equipment
• Maintain a clean jobsite
• Handle materials using powered equipment (fork trucks, telehandler, man lifts, hoists, etc.)
• Occasional interaction with museum visitors about shipyard activities, representing Mystic Seaport Museum professionally
• Occasionally assist other museum departments with their duties

Requirements

• Owns and maintains a personal shipwright hand tool kit, including caulking tools
• Five years’ hands-on experience in traditional wooden ship construction (Boat School graduates preferred)
• Holds a standard driver’s license
• Physical ability to work outdoors year-round in cold and wet weather
• Ability to safely lift 60 lbs
• Comfort with working from elevated OSHA-approved staging platforms, floats, and man-lifts
• Proficient use of stationary and handheld electric woodworking tools
• Working knowledge of vessel systems: traditional rigging, electrical, plumbing, and engine systems
• Metal working skills desired but not required
• Ability to self-start and collaborate with Shipwright II employees and volunteers
• Ability to “team lead” small groups and teach advanced shipwright skills
• Extensive knowledge of traditional ship construction and vessel plans
• Ability and willingness to document work using notes, drawings, photographs, spreadsheets, and smartphone applications
• Advanced visual-spatial skills and high-level ship joinery skills, including making “excellent fits” in a timely manner
• Knowledge and skills to set up a traditional vessel for extensive repairs without losing hull shape
• Ability to properly block, support, and cover vessels for storage on land
• Proficient and safe operation and maintenance of a chainsaw
• Ability to fair a batten by eye on timber or around hull framing
• Efficient practice of traditional ship caulking, including proper technique and tool handling for caulking mallet and irons
• Knowledge of hull reefing methods to protect seams
• Experience judging the proper amount of oakum or cotton for seams
• Ability to prime and putty traditional seams properly
• Full knowledge of all steps to hang a carvel plank on a vessel in a strong and tight manner
• Ability to laminate and build spars, shaping them with traditional or modern methods to scaled drawings
• Safe operation of a truck/trailer setup for moving timbers and occasionally boats
• Ability to drive and dock a small shipyard work boat around Mystic Seaport Museum’s waterfront; willingness to obtain a CT Safe Boaters Certificate
• Knowledge to perform daily ship-keeping rounds for Mystic Seaport vessels